Redding's Public Conduct: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles public conduct a little differently. In Redding, California, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Loud Party Ordinance

Loud parties in Redding are reached through two tracks. The noise-disturbance side runs through RMC 18.40.100 plus California Penal Code 415. The under-21 alcohol or controlled-substance side runs through the Social Host Ordinance, RMC Chapter 9.01 (Ord. 2537, eff. Dec. 18, 2015), which imposes per-incident administrative penalties of $250 / $500 / $1,000 plus public-safety cost recovery.

Key details: Social Host Code: RMC Ch. 9.01 (Ord. 2537). Effective Date: Dec. 18, 2015. 1st Violation Fine: $250. 2nd Violation Fine: $500. 3rd+ Violation Fine: $1,000 each.

Social-host citations: $250 first, $500 second, $1,000 each additional, plus public-safety cost recovery and parental joint liability if the responsible party is a juvenile. Penal Code 415(2) is a wobbler infraction or misdemeanor (up to 90 days, $400). Repeat noise nuisances at the same premises can be referred to Code Enforcement under RMC Chapter 1.13.

Compared to other cities, Redding takes a harder line on loud party ordinance. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Outdoor smoking in Redding is governed primarily by California statewide laws. Health & Safety Code §104495 prohibits smoking within 25 feet of any playground or tot lot sandbox and within 250 feet of an active youth sports event. Smoking is prohibited at all California state park units and state beaches under SB 8 (2019). Redding may layer additional outdoor smoke-free zones at city parks under Title 12 or 14 of the Redding Municipal Code.

Key details: Playground Rule: 25 ft (H&S §104495). Youth Sports: 250 ft buffer. State Parks: Banned (SB 8). Workplaces: Banned (LC §6404.5). Cannabis Smoking: Mirrors tobacco rules.

Violations of H&S §104495 are infractions with fines starting at $100 first offense, $200 second, $500 third. State park smoking under SB 8 carries a $25 infraction fine under PRC §5008.10. Labor Code §6404.5 violations subject employers to Cal/OSHA fines. Local Redding park-smoking violations are enforced through administrative citation under the city's penalty schedule. Cannabis-smoking violations of H&S §11362.3 carry the standard $100 Proposition 64 fine. Redding Police and Code Enforcement may issue citations.

The Bottom Line

Redding's public conduct rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Redding is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Redding's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.